The ancient Mayan ruins of Xunantunich, which are tucked away in Belize’s beautiful jungles, provide a window into the complex past and vibrant present of the Mayan people. Located less than a mile from the Guatemalan border, is home to a number of spectacular buildings, including 130-foot tall El Castillo. In this blog post, we will cover the significance of Xunantunich, its history, things to see and do while you’re there, and advice for making the most of your trip.
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History of Xunantunich
The Mayans are among the most sophisticated ancient societies that have ever existed, and Xunantunich is a shining example of their prowess in both architecture and engineering. It is thought that Xunantunich, which in Yucatec Maya means “stone woman,” was a significant ceremonial hub during the Classic era. The location was probably abandoned around 1000 AD, possibly as a result of resource scarcity and overpopulation. It was originally inhabited around 700 AD.
Xunantunich was a ceremonial center, an administrative center and possibly a residence for the elite of the Mayan society. The site is divided into four main plazas, each containing several structures. The most impressive structure of the site is El Castillo, a massive pyramid that stands at 130 feet tall. The pyramid was once covered in plaster and painted in bright colors. It was also a multi-complex building for the elite to live, work, and worship. From the top of the pyramid, visitors can enjoy a panoramic view of the surrounding jungle, the Guatemalan border, and the nearby Mopan River.
Xunantunich also has an extensive system of defensive walls and gates, which suggest that the site was also a fortress. The site was strategically located on a hilltop overlooking the Mopan River and its surroundings, which made it an ideal location for defense. There is also a Ball Court, located in the southern plaza, where the Mayans played the Mesoamerican ball game. This archaeological site is considered one of the most well-preserved Mayan ruins in Belize.
What to Do and See
The first cool thing you will experience at Xunantunich will happen on your way to the ruins. In order to cross the Mopan River, a man will take you across via a hand-cranked cable ferry. The ride only takes a couple of minutes and it is free! Enjoy your last few minutes relaxing before walking uphill on the other side of the river.
Once you arrive at the ruins, you can choose to hire a guide or explore the area on your own. Xunantunich has about 32 different structures to explore. The largest one is El Castillo. While you are not able to climb every structure, you can climb to the top of El Castillo and admire the amazing view of the area. It is also a great spot for photography.
When the Mayans built this city, they designed it so that a priest on the top of El Castillo could speak to the inhabitants below. The structures were built in a way that the sound could be easily heard in the plaza. Have somebody stand in the middle of the plaza while you speak to them on El Castillo to test this theory!
Activities in Surrounding Areas
The region around Xunantunich is a fantastic location to discover Belize’s natural splendor. Many kinds of animals, including monkeys, parrots, and even jaguars, can be found in the forest. A guided hike or river excursion is another option for visitors to see rare birds, reptiles, and other creatures.
There are also several nearby caves that can be explored, such as the Actun Tunichil Muknal cave. Also known as the ATM cave, it is considered one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country. The cave is known for its well-preserved Mayan artifacts and human remains, dating back nearly 1500 years. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave, which includes a hike through the jungle, swimming and wading through the cave’s crystal-clear water, and viewing the ancient artifacts and skeletons. It is a unique experience that you should not miss!
If you want to see more Mayan ruins, you can visit Cahel Pech in nearby San Ignacio. This is a lesser-known ruin site compared to Xunantunich. Dating back 3000 years, it is one of the oldest Mayan sites in Belize. You can explore the remains of several plazas, temples, and palaces. There are intricate carvings and hieroglyphics on these buildings that describe religious rituals and everyday life for the Mayans. Like Xunantunich, the entry fee is only $5 USD.
Where to Stay
Xunantunich is located in rural Belize, less than 1 mile east of the border with Guatemala. The two best towns to stay in are San Ignacio or Benque Viejo del Carmen. San Ignacio is located a few miles away and is a great option for travelers who want to meet people. You can find hostel dorms from about $10-15 USD, private rooms for about $30+ USD, or hotels that can cost $50+ USD.
Benque Viejo del Carmen is a better option for travelers who want a more relaxing trip. There are much less people and commodities in this town, so this is also a cheaper option. However, there are not as many hostel options available compared to San Ignacio. You will be able to find cheaper private rooms, for around $20-25 USD per night.
Best Time to Visit
There are a few factors to keep in mind when deciding which month you’d like to visit Xunantunich. The high season for tourism is from December to April. This coincides with warm and dry weather, higher prices, and more tourists visiting on vacation. You will likely encounter more crowds at the ruins during these months.
On the other hand, the rainy season is from May to November, when it’s hot and humid. Although the weather can be unpredictable, the rain usually comes in short bursts and clears up quickly. During this time, the ruins will be less crowded, and you can enjoy them in a more peaceful setting. Additionally, prices for accommodation and activities are generally lower during this time. However, you should be prepared to deal with mosquitoes during this time.
I visited Xunantunich in April, and I feel like that was the perfect time. There were very few people at the ruins, and the weather was pretty warm, but not unbearable. Accommodations were still affordable in April. I stayed at a private bungalow for about $25/night in San Ignacio.
